Covered Exposure

A Muslim psychotherapist reflects on the day she revealed her religious identity to the world

We met every Tuesday—to sew under the leadership of master tailor, Bonnie Allen. They were all retired, mostly white women, living in the warm bubble of San Francisco Bay Area privilege. I was a new mom with a 2-year-old and a newborn, who had decided to get my “hustle on” by learning to sew. They embraced my much younger, much Blacker, slightly displaced Harlem girl part into their fashionista family. Our bonds grew stronger each week, in the safety of ribbons, bows, thread, and laughter.

A year later, while visiting the city of my birth, our world was rocked during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. When I returned to California, my sewing circle ladies showered me with loving support. They had been trying to reach me when I was in New York, and were genuinely concerned about my safety. Despite our collective worry and grief, we settled back into our weekly routine of creativity and connection. Bonnie told us that sewing would get us through all of the powerless moments in our lives. And we believed her.

A few months later, our President began his campaign of revenge against our “enemies”. I had stopped watching the news, so that I could be more present for my daughters without engaging with them from a place of fear.

In the midst of sharing one of my creations to the group, Frannie made the pronouncement that would permanently alter the energy and safety of my precious sewing circle—“We have to kill them”.

“Kill who?” I asked.

“The Iraqis. We have to kill them. Otherwise, they’re gonna invade our country. We have to kill them.”

One by one, each of my “sisters” chimed in with their statement of allegiance. “Yes, that’s the only way”. Bonnie and I were the only women in the room who remained silent in the exchange. My head was rapidly expanding from the shock. My heart ached from the pain of betrayal. Were they actually talking about war? Did they think it was OK? Did they know that as a Muslim, that I felt a direct connection to the political rhetoric of our President? No, of course they didn’t know. In that moment, they perceived me as one of them. Although I was the only Black person in the room, I was still an American. Race was irrelevant in the face of a common enemy—the Muslims.

I left our previously-safe circle in a daze, and picked up my daughters from another Muslim friend’s home. I had no idea how I would respond, or whether I even wanted to be around them ever again. I prayed for an answer and pleaded to Allah—“What do I do? What do I say”?

Later that week, I went to jummah, the weekly Muslim prayer service. There, I received the answer—“Speak your language to those women. Say it with presence. Do not deny them your love”.

The following week, I showed up in sewing class, with my head covered. Up to that moment, outside of my daily prayer ritual, I had never considered covering my head. I had never equated the scarf with spirituality, and often questioned whether it was a religious requirement. In the midst of questioning the hijab, I also knew that I needed to show up as visibly Muslim to my classmates.

No one noticed–not a single one of them. Frannie, lead Sewing Circle Warmonger, looked at me and called me, “Sabrina the Beautiful”. “Oh my”, I thought, “this was going to be more challenging than I had planned.”

I wore my scarf every week for the next four weeks. Finally, while dressed in full African regalia, one of Frannie’s chief supporters looked up at me and asked whether I was growing my hair out (I had cut my hair a few months prior to 9/11). She assumed that I was in that in-between phase that women experience after a bad haircut.

“No…I am not growing my hair back. I am wearing this scarf because I am a Muslim…and just like those Muslim women in Iraq, I want my children to live. I want to live. And I want to live in peace”.

For the first time in my life, I had a visceral understanding of the phrase, “You could hear a pin drop.” The silence in the room was deafening for them. And enlivening for the peacemaker in me.

Without speaking another word, I continued to create two dresses for my African-American Muslim daughters, who loved Barbie, Dora the Explorer, and life in their middle-class home.

I never entered that space again without my scarf. Over time, I would begin to wear it more often, with more conviction about the statement that I was making. I was keenly aware that I was called to serve as a bridge for all of my communities. It also became a living symbol of my submission to One God, and a reminder that there was a power greater than me

Later, when I returned to the work force, I questioned whether my scarf would be positively received in a professional setting. In the wee hours of the holiest time of the day (3 am), I prayed for guidance—“Is this what I am supposed to do?” Am I supposed to leave this scarf on permanently? Despite my hesitance, I received the answer that I did not want to hear—“Yes…. you must continue to be a bridge….”

Today, I a run a wellness center and a private psychotherapy practice. I teach self-care, forgiveness and spirituality across the country. When my youngest graduates from high school next year, I will expand my work to a global audience. I live the teachings of my Sufi Master, a holy man, healer, and peacemaker from Jerusalem, who taught us to eliminate the idea of separation.

I stand firm in my commitment to wearing my scarf in the face of oppression. I also stand firm in my offering of peace, love, and mercy to all of Creation.

My decision to share my spirituality with my clients, family, and professional community has gifted me with sacred moments of deepened understanding and connection that transcend all boundaries. My healing work has allowed me to hold the hearts of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Seekers, and Wanderers. Most importantly, it has allowed me to hold the hearts of the world’s “Frannies.” For that, I am eternally grateful.

16 Comments

Kim Smith-Wilcher
on February 1, 2017 at 7:57 pm

This is was a wonderful expression of love and has given me a deeper understanding of you, the person. I see now that I only know ther person I grew up with but not the women you are today. I loved and admired you then but now I see that you are an even better individual now. Continue to share your testament to the world. You are an awesome teachers… I am honored to call you family. All my love… your Cousin Kim.

Fyi… I know I need to talk to you… your healing center would be beneficial to my broken soul…

I am deeply moved by the power and grace of your words, and loving spirit which supports them. You are truly a healing presence for so many in this suffering world of ours. Many blessings dear Sabrina.

Mashallah, you are amazing, I had no idea how amazing you are until you answered you call to write and tell your stories. When I read anything you write, I am moved emotionally. You are such a humble servant. Who would ever know, your beauty if you hadn’t started publishing your stories. I don’t have to say how much I love you and your wonderful family. Keep writing and sharing, a little of you live in all of us. Peace Love and Light.

Sabrina,
I miss you and want and hope to see you soon. You came up in a conversation yesterday when i was talking ti two Muslim American powerful women. One, Patty, another LSW and the other, a very good friend.
You are so beautiful Sabrina, and your scarf is part of that beauty. You wear it as though it is an extension of you, not as a piece of clothing, but as clothing of Peace.
Salam my sweet friend. Written at 3:30 am. Most powerful time if day.